2018 Toronto Theatre Preview

Cast of Outside The March and Company Theatre's Jerusalem starring Kim Coates.

The new year is upon us, and it looks like Toronto is bracing for a long cold winter. What better way to warm the spirit than by taking in some hot new theatre? There are plenty of options to choose from this season.

First up: The Toronto Fringe's annual Next Stage Festivalruns from Jan 3 to 14 at Factory Theatre. Check out the lineup of shows here, and see below for an alphabetical list of more productions to watch from January to March.

Kat Sandler's latest work explores what happens when a white playwright uses the shooting of an unarmed young black man by a police officer as a “jumping off point” for his hit play that is soon to be adapted into a major movie. If Bang Bang is anything like Sandler's previous work, expect dark humour and serious plots twists. Visit factorytheatre.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

Calpurnia (Nightwood Theatre/Sulong Theatre): January 14 to February 4

Nightwood Theatre and Sulong Theatre are co-presenting a new play written and directed by Audrey Dwyer at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre this winter. In Calpurnia, Julie, a screenwriter, seeks to redress To Kill a Mockingbird through the perspective of the Finch family maid—her tactics meet with explosive results at an important family dinner party. Visit buddiesinbadtimes.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Canada's own Tony Award-Winning musical returns to Toronto in February for a highly anticipated remount at the Royal Alexandra Theatre beginning in February. Directed by Christopher Ashley, with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the true story of what transpired when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, continues to win over crowds with its heartwarming message. Don't miss it this time around! Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Acclaimed Canadian playwright Jordan Tannahill presents the world premiere of his new piece Declarations, a deeply personal exploration of mortality inspired by his mother. Through a lyrical text and choreographed physical score, five performers chronicle a life pulled through time, encountering meteorological phenomena, mythology, political calamity, pop culture, and everyday happenstance along the way. Visit canadianstage.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Obsidian will introduce Canadians to British Playwright Debbie Tucker Green's Hang this February at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Directed by Philip Akin and multi-dora nominated choreographer Kimberley Rampersad, Hang is a play about one woman's unspeakable decision. Visit canadianstage.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Jerusalem (Company Theatre/Outside The March): February 13 to March 10

Two of Toronto's most innovative theatre companies—Outside the March and Company Theatre—team up this season to present the national premiere of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem starring Canadian film icon Kim Coates who returns to the stage after almost 30 years. Described as a Pied Piper tale for the Tarantino generation, Jerusalem is the story of aging daredevil Johnny “Rooster” Byron, purveyor of drugs, alcohol, mythic tales and sanctuary to the troubled teens of Wiltshire county. See it on stage at the Streetcar Crowsnest until March 10, 2018. Visit crowstheatre.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Following sold-out runs in London's West End and on Broadway, Mike Bartlett's King Charles III comes to Toronto this February in a new production directed by Studio 180's Joel Greenberg. Described as a "Future History Play," the piece imagines a world where the Queen is dead and Charles ascends to the throne, running amok with power. William, Kate and Harry all have starring roles. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Coal Mine Theatre's Ted Dykstra hand picks a cast of Toronto's best singers and musicians to perform Fleetwood Mac's album Rumours in its entirety. Music and theatre fans rejoice! Visit coalminetheatre.com for more information and to buy tickets.

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